20s and 30s reveal Stage 4 cancer and total gastrectomy on SBS 'Can I'
SBS's 'Love Against Time', featuring individuals in their 20s and 30s who have battled illnesses such as stage 4 cancer and total gastrectomy, has confirmed its premiere on August 3 and released a teaser trailer.
Young adults in their 20s and 30s, who have stood on the threshold of death, are dreaming of love once again. SBS's new dating reality show, 'Love Against Time' (directed by Lee Eun-sol), has confirmed its premiere for Monday, August 3, at 10 PM, featuring contestants who have faced terminal diagnoses or severe illnesses.
The released preview for the first episode begins with the fluttering scenery of a first meeting. The participants exchange first impressions, describing one another as "elegant and cute," "clear," and "radiant." Amidst the fresh tension and excitement, the atmosphere shifts as they begin to read their personal illness diaries—stories they could never easily share with anyone else.
"Can I even date?" A realistic question asked amidst despair
The confessions of the participants in the video plunged the studio into a heavy silence. Painful words followed, such as "I became a stage 4 cancer patient," "I had my stomach completely removed," and "I was told I might appear with one leg amputated." Unlike their peers who enjoy ordinary daily lives, the confessions of those who had to live lives touching the edge of death weighed heavily on the viewers' hearts.
Beyond simply overcoming illness, they opened up about realistic concerns that shake the very foundation of life. Questions like "Can I even date? What about marriage?" and "Will I be able to feel the emotions of love and romance?" gauge the depth of the despair they face. As the participants comforted one another while sharing their wounds and overflowing emotions, MC Choi Ye-na expressed her sorrow, shedding tears.
Past connections unknown even to the production team emerge in the 'Room of Time'
The 'Room of Time,' a unique system of the program, appeared at the end of the trailer, heightening the dramatic tension. This is because one male contestant, standing in the Room of Time, made a significant remark: "Actually, I know that person. I wonder if they will remember me?" At this unexpected confession, the MCs were so shocked they could not hide their surprise, with some even leaping from their seats.
In particular, their connection is known to be a cinematic narrative that even the production team had not fully grasped. The key point of interest for this program is how the hidden past connections between the participants will be unraveled in the first episode. The show promises a composition where fluttering excitement, tears, and unpredictable twists intersect.
A bold challenge with terminal illness as a theme, a new trend in dating reality
'Love Against Time' features the 2030 generation who have received terminal diagnoses or experienced being on the brink of death. They build relationships through a special system where they give and receive time to one another every night. The show is set to capture the most earnest records of romance written by those who have experienced the finitude of life more desperately than anyone else.
SBS has previously presented variety shows with differentiated themes, such as 'Matchmaking Retreat,' where parents and children stay together to find partners, and 'Mongle Counseling Center,' which deals with the romance of individuals with developmental disabilities. This program is also drawing attention for adopting a provocative subject that goes beyond the conventional grammar of dating reality. Compared to existing heavyweights like 'I'm Single but Want to Date,' which caused a huge sensation on Netflix in 2025, eyes are on how this SBS challenge will deliver new emotions.
Preview video released on July 27 and production background
On the 27th, SBS released the preview video for the first episode of 'Love Against Time' through its official SNS channel. The video established a strong presence even before the broadcast by capturing everything from the participants' first meeting to their confessions of illness and the past connections between participants that were unknown even to the production team.
SBS has presented various romance programs with diverse themes, such as 'Matchmaking Retreat,' where parents and children stay together to find partners, and 'Mongle Counseling Center,' which deals with the romance of individuals with developmental disabilities. This new variety show takes the baton from the existing lineup and is set to premiere on Monday, August 3, at 10 PM.
